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The must-see movies before traveling to visit Japan

The Land of the Rising Sun is one of the most interesting countries in the world, with an ancient history and rich culture.

If you too are planning to take a walk and get to know her up close, here are 10 movies (plus a bonus) that are worth watching before setting off

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• Japan

• Theater

In collaboration with Pegasus

Sunday, 31 January 2021, 08:23

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History and culture in every corner.

Godzilla statue overlooking Tokyo (Photo: ShutterStock)

There are not many countries in the world that enjoy a rich history like Japan.

"Land of the Rising Sun" is actually a huge archipelago, with close to 7,000 islands and is one of the most powerful and important countries in the world, economically and culturally.

Japan has known throughout its nearly 3,000 years (according to tradition it arose in 660 BC) countless upheavals, which have spawned fascinating traditions and special character.

This is reflected in many places and one of the perfect ways to get to know Japan a little better is cinema of course.

Over the years a long line of great Japanese directors has emerged and alongside them, many creators who have been happy to present this special country in their films.

Here are ten movies (plus one for the well-traveled) that are highly recommended to watch, just before you board the plane to Japan.

The aforementioned films present the country and its culture over a selection of years and periods and give a glimpse and trailer to the sights and landscapes revealed to the traveler coming to Japan for the first time.

And if you too are planning to do just that, and discover Japan up close - an organized trip is just the right way to do it.

As you will see in the article before you, Japan has countless layers and an organized trip, with an experienced Israeli guide who knows Japanese culture to its core, will help you not to miss anything along the way.

The day after the corona is the perfect moment to join the group, not worrying about anything and just having fun and learning about Japanese magic.

Organized trip to Japan with Pegasus - click for more information

Tokyo story

A few years ago, the most respected film magazine, Sight & Sound, approached some of the world's top directors and asked them what they thought was the greatest film of all time.

At the top of their list was this magnificent work by Isujiro Ozu from 1953, which deals with an elderly couple coming from a quiet coastal town to visit their busy children in bustling Tokyo.

A slow and calm film, which miraculously presents the differences of generations and even if its minimalism makes it not easy to watch, it provides an accurate look to post-World War II Japan, a country first exposed to the West.

Cherry Blossom

Like many others, German director Doris Dorey fell in love with The Tokyo Story, which inspired her 2008 film.

Dorey introduces us to Rudy, who after the sudden death of his wife suddenly decides to fly to visit his son Carl in Tokyo.

But Carl really has no time for him and Rudy finds himself wandering around the big city, losing his way and rediscovering himself, his family and the magical culture around him.

The turning point of the film will leave you speechless.

Tempo

Japanese cinema may be less known for its humor, but all that does not catch on with Tempopo, Itmi Josu's 1985 film, which combines a kind of satire and parody of American spaghetti westerns with a food film that uniquely presents Japanese cuisine through the ramen ( The film became known as "Western Ramen", a play on words about "Spaghetti Western").

If you are not yet familiar with the everyday culture of Japan, this is a great opportunity to do so, plus a constant smile and occasional rolling laughter.

Farewells

The Oscar winner for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009 presents the story of a cellist from Tokyo who decides to return with his wife to his quiet hometown and accidentally finds himself working as an apprentice to a man who prepares people's bodies for a traditional Japanese burial ceremony.

A bitter, sarcastic and brilliant film about the cultural gaps between modern Japan and the traditional and classic country that still exists in full force away from the big city.

Lost in Tokyo

Another Oscar winner, this time for the original screenplay award.

Sophia Coppola's excellent film from 2003 was a huge surprise at the time, thanks in no small part to the acting performances of Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson.

It is about a Hollywood star who shoots a commercial for local whiskey in Tokyo and meets a young American woman who has just married.

An interesting platonic relationship develops between the two, which grows warmer as they discover the world of culture and entertainment in Japan.

Godzilla

Who does not know the monster that threatens Tokyo?

The dinosaur-like monster began appearing in Japanese cinema as early as 1954 and has since made close to 40 films (!), Including no less than four in Hollywood (where it even won its own star on Avenue of the Stars), as well as TV series, video games and more.

If you want to see one of those films, you can turn to either the same original Japanese version from the 50s, or the familiar 1998 film starring Matthew Broderick, where the monster is left with Japanese symbols, but the story is mostly set in New York.

Record

No list of cinematic must-see films about Japan would be complete without a film by the country's greatest director of all time, Akira Kurosawa.

The best-known Japanese director in the West has a long line of masterpieces and almost every one of his films will teach you something you did not know about Japan, however Rashomon, who is strong at the top of his works, is probably also the simplest to watch for modern audiences.

It is short, only 88 minutes and tells the same story from four points of view.

If this sounds familiar to you, it's because since the movie's release in 1950, this idea has been replicated and remade in a variety of movies and series.

Geisha's memories

Arthur Golden's sensational novel from 1997 became a bestseller and it was only a matter of time before it became a movie as well.

It did happen in 2005, produced by Steven Spielberg among others and won Oscars for photography, costume design and art.

The beautiful film tells the story of Chiu, who along with her sister is sold due to poverty in the late 1920s and discovers the world of traditional geishas in Japan.

The story faithfully shows the huge class gaps in Japan and the film will make it hard for you to take your eyes off the screen for its 145 minutes.

the amazing journey

Another Oscar, this time for Best Animated Film, went to Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli, the kings of animated films.

The 10-year-old Chihiro accidentally finds himself in a strange spirit world, which includes a menacing witch, a faceless spirit, a huge baby and many other surprises.

The wondrous journey reveals to us Japanese folklore at its best and is considered by many to be one of the best cartoons ever made.

If you fell in love, you will probably immediately run to look for more Miyazaki movies, including "My Magical Neighbor Totoro" and others.

Letters from Iwo Jima

In 2006, Clint Eastwood the Great performed an interesting cinematic experiment.

On the one hand, he directed "Flag Heroes," which showcases American heroism in the key battle over Iwo Jima in World War II, through the same famous image of the soldiers waving the flag on the island.

On the other hand, he directed "Letters from Iwo Jima", which brings the story from the Japanese point of view.

It is rare to find films about the losing side, certainly those made by the winning side, but "Letters from Iwo Jima" is great and was nominated for an Oscar in the best film, director and screenplay categories.

An instructive show of a story that is not encountered every day.

For the well-wishers: my beloved Hiroshima

One of the highlights of French cinema is a film that is not at all simple to watch, although it is relatively short (90 minutes).

Alan Rene's work is complex and many believe it heralded the birth of the French new wave, one of the most significant movements ever in cinema.

The film is about a married French actress, who plays in a film shot in Hiroshima 14 years after the atomic bomb was dropped on the city.

She meets a local man and has an affair with him, recalling her and Hiroshima's dark past.

The article is sponsored by Pegasus Organized Tours - as part of its goal to promote acquaintance with world cultures and enrichment of knowledge

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